We Answered Your Top 8 Questions About Window Glass Signage

What is window glass signage?

Window glass signage is any type of signage that is attached directly to the window. It is a popular signage choice for retailers, restaurants, schools and many other physical spaces because of its affordability and effectiveness. (Window signage also includes window displays, but we’ll just be referring to the window glass for this blog). Window glass graphics come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be customized to fit any shape or size window. It is typically made out of a clear, translucent, perforated or opaque vinyl film that adheres to the glass and can be removed at any time without damaging the glass. Smaller and simple designs can be self-installed while more intricate and multi-panel designs are typically installed by professionals.

What are the different types of window glass signage?

Opaque Adhesive Vinyl

Opaque adhesive window vinyl is printed on white vinyl media rolls and completely blocks the window. This can be used for additional privacy or to better section off areas and can also be applied to window mullions.

Perforated Vinyl

Perforated vinyl is a type of window graphic that is printed on an opaque sheet with small, evenly-spaced circular holes. We use an 80/20 perforation ratio, where 80% of the material is visible and 20% is removed in the hole pattern. The result is a window graphic that is fully visible from the outside while not completely blocking the outward view from inside the building. This is a popular choice for many windows because of this one-way effect and can be used on both buildings and vehicles.

Contour Cut Window Vinyl

Contour cut window vinyl is a type of window signage vinyl that is cut to the shape of individual letters, numbers, logos or any other type of graphic. Some examples of this are business names and logos on store windows and hours of operation.

Frosted Window Vinyl

Frosted window vinyl products are translucent, or semi-clear, and allow light to pass through but distort the view through the window. This is a popular choice for its modern appearance and can be effective for spaces with large windows and floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors to make them more visible to avoid collisions. Frosted window vinyl also provides privacy for office spaces, retail areas and restrooms.

Ultra Clear Film

Ultra clear film is a type of window film material that uses a high-tech silicon adhesive to adhere to smooth and flat clear surfaces, such as glass, mirror or acrylic. This is typically a short-term solution for seasonal graphics and can be adhered and removed quickly. Advantages over die-cut graphics include the ability to use gradients, create more intricate designs with elements that would otherwise be too fine to cut out, and designs can be backed with white ink to control the opacity of the material.

Second Surface Window Mount

Second surface window mount is any signage that is mounted on the interior glass, facing the exterior. This can add an extra dimension to the artwork but there are some limitations (see below).

Does window vinyl go on the inside or outside of the window?

Both! Window vinyl products can be added to either the exterior (first surface) of the window or the interior (second surface). Not all products can be placed on the interior surface but most can. Exterior installation can provide better visibility of the graphics due to reduced glare from the windows, while interior installation can protect the graphics from elements and also can be used to comply with local ordinances and lease requirements, including shopping malls. Second surface may also be easier and more cost-effective to install if the windows are higher than ground level or if there are obstructions preventing installation on the first surface. There can also be a combination of first and second surface installation to add another dimension to the artwork. First surface is most common and preferred for improved visibility.

What should I put on my window glass signage?

Window signage graphics can be customized for a variety of different purposes, including branding, logos, sales and promotions, holidays, business contact information and hours, photography and wayfinding. It can also be used to highlight or draw attention to displays inside the window (such as featured products or seasonal displays). In addition to this, it can also be used for privacy or as distraction glass to avoid collisions with all-glass doors and walls. Another use for window signage is to direct sightlines in the store, including door windows, which augment the view of the store to draw attention to certain products or areas of the store.

How big should my window signage be?

While there’s no right or wrong answer to this, there are a few guidelines to make sure your signage is effective. Signage shouldn’t be too large to where it’s overwhelming (unless that’s the intended effect) but also shouldn’t be too small where it’s difficult to read from a reasonable distance or not noticeable. When picking the size of the graphic, make sure it fits the window area and has enough space around the vinyl if needed. Also keep in mind that any text should be easy to read from where most people will be viewing it, which also means not placing it too low or too high from eye level. The largest max size is 58″ (shortest side) for perforated vinyl, while other vinyls have a max size of around 50″.

How long does window signage last?

Vinyl window graphics are a medium- to long-term solution and typically last for years. The longevity of the vinyl depends on temperature, weather conditions, install quality and even the product itself.

Can window stickers be removed?

Window signage can be easily removed and replaced without damaging the glass surface. The longer the vinyl is up the stronger the bond to the window is. Graphics up for a year or less will typically come off in larger pieces, while graphics up for longer may come off in smaller, more tedious sections. Heat, a razor and/or residue-removing products such as Goo Gone can aid in the removal process. Professional installers can also be hired to remove graphics.

Can I cover multiple windows?

Yes! Window signage can be used across multiple windows to create a unique, cohesive and eye-catching display. Click here to check out another blog we wrote about how to best handle windows with multiple mullions — the vertical and horizontal bars between the panes of glass. After measuring the window area, including the mullions, the artwork is then divided into panels cut to each window pane and then installed. Accounting for the space between the window glass ensures the artwork lines up correctly across multiple panes. Strips can also be supplied to cover the face of mullions as well.